Research and News
Posts tagged breast cancer
Developing better exercise programs for breast cancer survivors
Jun 2nd
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Breast cancer survivors are often left with fatigue from chemotherapy, as well as pain and decreased upper extremity range of motion after surgery. Several studies featured on the Academy blog have shown that Thera-Band® elastic resistance exercises can improve quality of life, decrease fatigue, and improve other physical aspects such as strength and range of motion.
While it’s important to show these exercise programs are effective from a quantitative standpoint, it’s also valuable to understand the qualitative aspects of these exercise programs. Clinicians sometimes disregard these qualitative studies since they are not associated with ‘hard’ clinical outcomes. Qualitative studies can provide unique insights into attitudes, perceptions, and feelings about an exercise intervention. This feedback can help researchers and clinicians understand aspects of an exercise program to help improve adherence and compliance.
Canadian researchers wanted to describe the perceptions of 8 women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer who performed a concurrent exercise program. The 24-week home-based program used progressive elastic bands for 8 weeks to strengthen the legs, arms and trunk 3 times per week. Participants used a 6 to 12 repetition maximum (RM) resistance level and More >
Thera-Band strengthening exercises lessen fatigue for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy
Oct 26th
Breast and prostate cancer patients often suffer from cancer-related fatigue. While not well-understood, cancer-related fatigue may hamper a cancer patient’s recovery and quality of life. Researchers at the University of Rochester investigated the feasibility and results of 4 weeks of home-based aerobic exercises combined with progressive Thera-Band® resistance band strengthening exercises. 38 patients with breast or prostate cancer beginning radiation therapy were randomized into a control group or exercise group. The exercise group subjects were given an exercise kit containing written instructions, a pedometer, and 3 progressive Thera-Band resistance bands. They exercised 7 days a week and were encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day for the aerobic component. They also performed 11 upper body exercises with progressive Thera-Band resistance (Download the Thera-Band cancer radiation therapy strengthening exercise program here).
The exercise group demonstrated good adherence (79%), and reported significantly more physical activity levels than the control group at the 3-month follow-up. In addition, the exercise group reported significantly less fatigue and higher quality of life compared to the control group. While not statistically significant, the exercise group maintained their muscle mass at 3 months follow-up, while the control group lost muscle mass, a common side effect of cancer treatment. The authors concluded, “The combination of More >
Thera-Band® resistance helps female cancer survivors keep fit after chemotherapy
Aug 10th
Breast cancer survivors often experience weight gain after chemotherapy, particularly pre-menopausal women. This weight gain has been associated with an increased recurrence and death from breast cancer (Chlebowski et al. 2006). Researchers at the University of Washington and Oregon Health Sciences University suggested that exercise may be a low-cost, non-pharmacologic strategy to prevent or reverse weight changes in female cancer survivors. In their randomized controlled study, 112 women newly diagnosed with cancer were randomly assigned to a resistance exercise group, aerobic exercise group, or a control group (usual care). Both exercise groups performed their routines 4 times per week at their home for 12 months. Each exercise routine took 20 to 30 minutes and the exercises used the Borg Scale to maintain a “moderate” intensity level.
The resistance exercise group used Thera-Band® resistance bands or weight equipment in their home. They performed 3 to 4 upper and lower body exercises for 2 sets of 12 to 20 repetitions with progression in the resistance levels. The aerobic exercise group performed enjoyable weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, or dancing. Subjects were assessed before the study, half-way through the study (6 months), and at the end of the 12 month study for body weight, More >
